Switzerland by Rail with European Gems

Trip Code:51101
(AUD) Twin Share from $20,145pp
Days 25
Nights 24

From the lakeside elegance of Geneva to the grand boulevards of Budapest, this remarkable journey showcases Europe at its most captivating. Travel through Switzerland on panoramic railways, including the GoldenPass, Glacier Express and Bernina Express, before cruising the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers past medieval towns and imperial capitals, where cobbled streets, baroque architecture and centuries of history unfold at every turn.

  • 14 May 2027 – 07 Jun 2027
    from $21,945 pp twin share / $33,345 pp solo *
  • 24 May 2027 – 17 Jun 2027
    from $21,945 pp twin share / $33,345 pp solo *
  • 05 Jul 2027 – 29 Jul 2027
    from $20,145 pp twin share / $30,445 pp solo *
  • 03 Sep 2027 – 27 Sep 2027
    from $21,945 pp twin share / $33,345 pp solo *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Arrive Geneva:

    Arrive in Geneva, where you’ll be met on arrival. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception to begin your journey.

  • Day 2 – Geneva, Lausanne:

    Today, enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Geneva, taking in views towards Mont Blanc, the United Nations Office at Geneva, elegant lakeside villas and manicured parks and gardens. Later, travel by train to Lausanne and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

  • Day 3 – Lausanne, Montreux, GoldenPass Express, Interlaken:

    Begin in Lausanne and board a local train to Montreux.

    Insider Experience – GoldenPass Express

    On arrival, transfer to the GoldenPass Express for a scenic journey into the Swiss Alps. As the train climbs through the mountains, pass Montbovon, the village of Château-d’Oex and the resort town of Gstaad, known for its refined charm. Continue through alpine meadows, picturesque villages and sweeping mountain vistas before arriving in Interlaken.

  • Day 4 – Interlaken, Jungfraujoch:

    Today, ascend to 3,454 metres above sea level aboard the cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station. Known as the ‘Top of Europe’, the journey travels through the heart of the Bernese Alps, revealing snow-capped peaks, glaciers and alpine meadows. At the summit, take in sweeping panoramic views and explore the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory.

  • Day 5 – Interlaken, Brigg, Glacier Express, St. Moritz:

    Travel to Brigg and board the Glacier Express, a narrow-gauge train renowned for its iconic alpine route to the luxury resort town of St. Moritz. Through panoramic windows, take in breathtaking views of jagged peaks, lush meadows, sprawling vineyards, and forested hillsides. On arrival, check in to your hotel before dinner this evening.

    Insider Experience – Glacier Express

    Journey aboard the Glacier Express, travelling along one of the world’s most scenic rail routes to the alpine resort town of St. Moritz.

  • Day 6 – St. Moritz, Bernina Express, Tirano, Lugano:

    After breakfast, board the Bernina Express for an Insider Experience to Tirano. Later, return to St. Moritz by regional train.

    Insider Experience – Bernina Express

    Board the Bernina Express, travelling from St. Moritz to the charming Italian town of Tirano. Marvel at glittering lakes, the mighty Morteratsch Glacier and the dramatic Bernina Pass before descending past turquoise alpine lagoons, sweeping valleys and the iconic Brusio Circular Viaduct. Pause at Alp Grüm, 2,091 m above sea level, for photographs overlooking the Palü Glacier and the Val Poschiavo.

  • Day 7 – Lugano:

    Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Lugano, perhaps stroll along the lakeside promenade, browsing boutique shops or relaxing at a cafe overlooking the water.

  • Day 8 – Lugano, Gotthard Panorama Express, Flüelen, Lucerne:

    Spend the morning soaking up the relaxed lakeside atmosphere of Lugano before setting out towards the heart of Switzerland for your Insider Experience. This evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional traditional dinner and entertainment at a Swiss folklore restaurant (additional expense).

    Insider Experience – Gotthard Panorama Express

    Travel aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express, one of Switzerland’s most scenic routes. Journey by First Class panoramic train to Flüelen, enjoying sweeping views of mountains and valleys, then continue by boat across Lake Lucerne with lunch included. On arrival in Lucerne, set out on a guided walking tour of this charming city, framed by the Swiss Alps. Stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge, home to the distinctive octagonal Water Tower.

  • Day 9 – Lucerne, Mount Pilatus:

    Today, ascend to the summit of Mount Pilatus aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, taking in views of flower-filled pastures, rugged mountain ledges and snow-capped peaks.

  • Day 10 – Lucerne, Zürich:

    This morning, travel by train to Zürich. Enjoy a guided tour of the vibrant city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and its striking medieval architecture. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

  • Day 11 – Zürich, Arrive Amsterdam, Embark Ship:

    This morning, transfer to the airport for your included flight to the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Upon arrival, transfer to your river ship. Later this evening, join your Cruise Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

  • Day 12 – Amsterdam, Utrecht:

    Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some time at leisure. Afterwards, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for tonight’s special Gala Dinner.

  • Day 13 – Cologne, Brühl:

    Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take a short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.

    Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace

    Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Hear fascinating stories and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Together, they are among the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.

  • Day 14 – Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim:

    Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, considered the most scenic stretch of the Rhine. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini train takes you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of Germany’s finest collections of automated musical instruments.

  • Day 15 – Miltenberg:

    Enjoy free time in Miltenberg exploring this well-preserved town and its half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.

  • Day 16 – Würzburg:

    Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Visit the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace renowned for its opulent interior, and stroll through the beautiful Court Gardens. Later, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to Rothenburg.

    Enhance Your Journey – Rothenburg Excursion

    Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

  • Day 17 – Bamberg:

    Spend a leisurely morning cruising the final stretch of the Main River before arriving in Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you’ll see highlights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship reaches the Main–Danube Canal.

  • Day 18 – Nuremberg:

    Explore Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander its cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan shops. Later, cruise the Main–Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide via its remarkable series of 16 locks.

  • Day 19 – Regensburg:

    Having reached the Danube River overnight, arrive in Regensburg. Docked in the heart of town, spend the day exploring this charming city on a guided walking tour of its main sights. Later, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in nearby Abensberg, a family-owned brewery featuring the distinctive Kuchlbauer Tower designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

    Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

    This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

    Enhance Your Journey – Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer Brewery Visit

    Visit Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg, tour the brewery and see the colourful Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.

  • Day 20 – Passau, Linz:

    As you enjoy breakfast, arrive in Passau, otherwise known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’, where the Ilz and Inn rivers meet the Danube. You may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg. Alternatively, remain on board and enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Linz.

    Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit

    Enjoy a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.

    Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights

    Journey through Austria’s scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart’s hometown, followed by free time to explore before returning to your ship.

  • Day 21 – Melk, Dürnstein:

    After crossing into Austria, dock in Melk and join a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, townhouses and taverns, or perhaps join an optional regional wine tasting.

    Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

    Visit Dürnstein Abbey to sample local Wachau wines, including Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, accompanied by a tasting of regional brandy.

  • Day 22 – Vienna:

    In Vienna, join a guided walking tour taking in St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg and the Albertina museum. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to The Sound of Music.

    Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

    Attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s historic palaces or concert halls, followed by an evening drive along the Ringstrasse.

  • Day 23 – Vienna:

    With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg district or wander along Kärntner Straße, the city’s famous shopping boulevard. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or travel to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

    Enhance Your Journey – Schloss Hof and Lipizzaner Experience

    Enjoy a guided tour of the Schloss Hof estate, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Empress Maria Theresa. Explore the elegant palace apartments adorned with fine textiles and chandeliers, then stroll through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, visit the stables for a private introduction to the magnificent Lipizzaner horses. Learn about their breeding, care and training before witnessing a special demonstration of their grace and discipline.

    Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

    Visit Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital, where medieval, Baroque and communist-era architecture meet. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the distinctive Slovak Radio Building, each reflecting the city’s fascinating past.

  • Day 24 – Budapest:

    Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting riverside cities as your ship glides into the heart of Hungary’s capital. After breakfast, join a local guide for a tour of Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional visit to the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.

    Insider Experience – Hungarian State Opera Performance

    Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while a private opera recital is performed.

    Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

    Explore this fascinating museum, once a World War II hospital, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle. Built in 1941 as a first-aid shelter, it was designed to withstand the impact of aerial bombing.

  • Day 25 – Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest:

    After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Highlights

  • Travel through Switzerland on iconic panoramic railways like the GoldenPass, Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
  • Cruise the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers past medieval towns and imperial capitals.
  • Uncover centuries of history in cobbled streets and baroque architecture.

From the lakeside elegance of Geneva to the grand boulevards of Budapest, this remarkable journey showcases Europe at its most captivating. Travel through Switzerland on panoramic railways, including the GoldenPass, Glacier Express and Bernina Express, before cruising the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers past medieval towns and imperial capitals, where cobbled streets, baroque architecture and centuries of history unfold at every turn.

Inclusions

  • Augustusburg Palace.
  • Hungarian State Opera Visit.
  • Glacier Express.
  • Bernina Express.
  • Gotthard Panorama Express.
  • GoldenPass Express.

FAQs

  • 14 Nights, Travelmarvel river ship
  • 25hours Hotel Zürich West
  • Art Boutique Hotel Monopol St. Moritz or similar
  • Hotel Bristol Geneva or similar
  • Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne or similar
  • Two Nights, Hotel Metropole Interlaken or similar
  • Two Nights, Lucerne, Hotel Astoria
  • Two Nights, Lugano, Hotel De La Paix or similar

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 25 days and 24 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 14 May 2027 and 27 Sep 2027, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

Fine Print

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

(AUD) Twin Share from $20,145pp
Days 25
Nights 24

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